Review on ASTRO Gaming A40 TR Headset + MixAmp Pro TR 🎧 for PlayStation 4 (2017 Model): Superior Gaming Audio and Precision Control by Megan Gardner

Update 11/23/18: Having owned this headset for three years, the only additional issue I have is that the Padding in the upper headband has become very flat after heavy use. Unfortunately, the small headband cannot be purchased as a replacement, so I contacted Astro Support for a replacement. I expected to pay for the part as I already have a two year warranty. However, Astro sent me a bandage free of charge. I have only had to use Astro support twice in three years and both times I have used support the service I have received has been excellent and quick they get straight to the point and try to fix the problem. Having used this headset almost every day for three years I can honestly say that overall this is the best headset I have ever bought and used. It has lasted longer than any other headset I've bought, every other headset I've had has broken with normal use, and I'm someone who takes great care of everything I own. I still highly recommend this headset and think the price is justified in the long run. I initially had issues on the PC where the audio would cut out for a split second causing the mic input to stop working until it was reset/disabled, but this was fixed with a firmware update. Second and last, the mixamp streaming port produces a buzzing noise. I bought an Mpow Ground Loop Noise Isolator and it got rid of the hum. I was also looking for a wireless headset for occasional use, so I decided to try the Steelseries arctis 7 and I was disappointed. I've tried them on both PC and PS4 and both had issues where the right earbud was quieter than the left unless the headset volume was turned to maximum using the volume control on the headset. The sound wasn't very good on either system either and I also tried 7.1 surround sound on PC and wasn't impressed. I've also tried Steelseries Siberias, Sony Pulse Elite and Golds, Turtle Beach and the old Astro a50s on PC and PS4. Siberia was too tight, I didn't like the LCD on the mixer, the mic was good but bled a bit into the headset (not self-hearing), support was disappointing when I contacted them about an issue and didn't get a response. I liked the batteries and the general build quality made it feel like a premium headset. The Sony headsets sounded good and were easy to set up, but the microphone quality was poor. The previous generation A50 was good, but the headset padding was very stiff. compared to a40 tr. The a50s also had an issue that caused the headset's wireless transmitter to buzz, which was very annoying, but Astro replaced them for free. The battery life of the a50s could also be better. Turtle Beaches collapsed throughout the year, but overall it was an average headset. After trying all of these headsets on PS4 and PC I decided that the a40 tr is still the best overall headset for me. I've found every wireless headset in one system or another has a flaw with the exception of the a50s, or they have a small compromise that I didn't want to accept. It's common for any headset if you can update it via PC or console, as sometimes small issues can be fixed with an update. * I want to try both the new Astro A50s and the new Sony Platinum headset. If I decide to try these headsets I will update this review. First review: I use them on both PS4 and PC and they work great. I had an issue with my mic and contacted Astro and they sent me a replacement for free. Pros 1) This headset has the best microphone and sound quality for PC and PS4.2) The mixer amplifier is great and easy to use. 3) Only three cables for PS4 and two for PC, including microphone cable. 4) Convenient 5) Streaming Port - I am currently using this to stream to PS4 with the Elgato capture card. Using a 3.5mm cable, I connect it to my PC and change the audio input for the elgato software. It records all audio including party chat and game volume. You can also adjust the volume in the software if you find your speech, game, or party volume is too low or too high. Cons 1) Expensive but the build quality is the best I've seen. 2) The software needs improvement. . There may be online profile sharing for equalizer presets. Final Thoughts: I have used many headsets and these are the best for PC and PS4. I've tried Hyper Kingston Cloud II, Steel Series H, Sony's Elite Pulse headset and a couple of Astro a50s. If you're looking to save money and plan on buying a PC-only headset, I recommend Kingston. For PS4, the Sony headsets have good sound quality, but the microphone quality isn't great. But if you plan to use them on both PS4 and PC, I recommend the a40 tr. They're more comfortable than the A50 and you don't have to worry about the buzz that might ensue. I also recommend a mod kit as it works great for noise reduction but isn't that comfortable for long periods of time. Before using this headset, connect it to your computer via USB (make sure it is in PC mode). and download the Astro software and update the Amplifier Mix. *Also make sure to change the settings if using it with PS4. Go to "Sound & Display" and then to the audio output settings and change the audio to prioritize the optical output. Change the audio format to Dolby. Then go to Devices then Audio Devices and change the Output to Headphones for chat audio. Also make sure the input and output are set to USB (Astro Mix Amp Pro). Conclusion: This headset was exactly what I was looking for, comfortable and great for PC and PS4. I have reviewed and tried many headsets and this headset is the best, it meets and exceeds my needs.